Tarn Hows
.jpg)
STUNNING VIEWS
Whilst this is a very popular walk, the views across the tarn towards the Coniston and Langdale Fells still make this walk very much worthwhile.
If possible, choose a clear day, and if you don’t like the crowds set of early in the day!
In the summer this makes a nice late afternoon or early evening walk, again you may have the place to yourselves, if you’re lucky.
(Please note: we do not accept any responsibility for errors or changes in the route described – an up to date Ordnance Survey map should always be used in conjunction with the route description)
Tarn Hows
‘This Lake District walk is justifiably popular, but with a slight variation from the popular route’
6 miles. Some road – boots or stout shoes recommended.
A circular valley walk through woods and open countryside with some stunning views of the central fells
From the Post Office walk (north)towards the Red Lion Pub, take first left then under the archway and up Vicarage Lane out of the village. After about 100 yds. Take the footpath on the right across the field and up the hill. Go through a gate stile and follow the track through a small wood and over stream. Climb a short embankment and into field. Follow path across a farm track and straight forward to the road.
Turn left into Hawkshead Hill, and next right (sign posted Tarn Hows.) At the next road junction turn right towards Knipe Fold and Ambleside. After about 200 yds. turn left onto track/footpath. (Short tea stop detour – stay on the road for aprox. 100 yds. Betty Fold Tea Rooms on right.) Follow this through a small hamlet and up a gentle hill. Two gates.
At the top in a clearing watch out for small stile in a wall on the right, take this and walk across field towards a delightful Nat. Trust cottage, perched over looking Tarn Hows. Follow the track behind the cottage, and take the first right turn zigzagging down to the lakeside.
There is a good circular path around the tarn so you can either turn left or right and walk either way. As you get to the far side, about half way round look for a path on the left/right signed Arnside and Langdales. Take this path and follow until you get to a walled lane.
Turn right (signed Hawkshead) and follow the lane up the hill and down the other side to the road. Turn right and then left. After about 50yds, just past some houses, take the footpath through a small stile on the right. Go straight up the field (indistinct path) first to stile in a fence and then one in a wall. Climb this and follow path keeping right where necessary. This leads to the Hawkshead Hill road. Turn left and retrace your steps back to Hawkshead.
Images copyright A2A Advertising Ltd